Kibale National Park – Uganda’s Best Destination for Chimpanzee Trekking

Kibale National Park in western Uganda is renowned for having the highest diversity and density of primates in Africa. Home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, it offers top-rated chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching, and guided forest walks in a lush tropical environment.

Kibale National Park, located in western Uganda near the town of Fort Portal, is widely recognized as the best destination for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, offering visitors the chance to encounter our closest relatives in their natural habitat. This lush tropical rainforest is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, including red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and black-and-white colobus, making it a must-visit on any Uganda primate safari. Guided treks run twice daily and provide a 90% or higher success rate in chimp sightings. The park also boasts exceptional birdwatching opportunities, with over 370 bird species, and beautiful forest trails ideal for nature walks. In addition to primates, Kibale offers scenic crater lakes, butterfly-filled clearings, and connections to nearby destinations like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National Park, and Rwenzori Mountains National Park, allowing for seamless safari combinations. With Top Cream Tours, you can book customizable 3 to 5-day safari packages that include chimpanzee permits, comfortable eco-lodges, expert guides, and optional community visits or Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary tours. The best time to visit is during the dry seasons from December to February and June to August for easier trekking conditions. Don’t miss the opportunity to track wild chimps through the dense canopies of Kibale Forest and witness their complex social behaviors firsthand. For official chimpanzee permit information, visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority.